Even though Toyota pioneered hybrid cars, it's Honda that are winning over Thais

Compared to Malaysians, Thais are more accepting of hybrid cars probably also due to the more expensive petrol prices over in the Kingdom. While Toyota might be the brand that many around the world see as the pioneer of hybrid vehicles, Honda is the most preferred brand for Thais when it comes to getting one.

In 2022, Honda is ranked number one in terms of electrified vehicles (xEV) sales in Thailand with cumulative sales of 26,660 units which translate to a 30% market share. Honda offers 6 e:HEV models in the Kingdom, the City e:HEV, City Hatchback e:HEV, HR-V e:HEV, Civic e:HEV, Accord e:HEV, and CR-V e:HEV.

Essentially, Honda offers hybrid variants for each of their models in Thailand aside from the BR-V and WR-V. This wide array of models allowed it to be ahead of Toyota in terms of hybrid vehicle sales.

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In comparison, Toyota only offers 4 hybrid models in its Thailand line-up: the Corolla Altis Hybrid, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, and C-HR Hybrid. Toyota’s hybrid range is only offered in the C- and D-segments while there is no hybrid model offered for the B-segment, unlike Honda.

Also read: Top-3 most best-selling UMWT models - Toyota Vios, Hilux and Corolla Cross, YTD April 2023 sales up 9 percent

Since Honda has a few hybrid models in the B-segment, that allowed Honda to dominate the affordable hybrid market with the cheapest being the City e:HEV which starts from THB 839,000 (~RM 111k).

Also read: Toyota Vios (Yaris Ativ) outsells Honda City by 2x in Thailand's April 2023 sales; snags nearly 60% market share!

Even against rivals in a similar segment, Honda has the upper hand thanks to having a lower fuel economy range while having similar full-hybrid performance. For instance, the HR-V which is only available as a hybrid in Thailand consistently outsells the Corolla Cross which is offered with both petrol and hybrid variants.

Also read: Honda HR-V continues top sales momentum in Thailand's April 2023 sales; extends lead over Toyota Corolla Cross

Toyota might be the best-selling brand in Thailand largely thanks to sales of the Hilux but when it comes to hybrid vehicles, it is seemingly lagging behind Honda. Having a wide range of models across all the major segments gives Thai buyers a lot of choices in getting their own hybrid vehicle.

Also read: Just two models dominate 85% of Thai pick-up truck sales, Toyota Hilux closes gap with D-Max for Jan-Feb 2023 tally

Closer to home, Honda Malaysia will be kicking off a roadshow to showcase its range of hybrids from 3-June 2023. The GenH Event roadshow will be happening in Johor Bahru (3-4 June), Penang (10-11 June), and Kuala Lumpur (17-18 June).

Also read: Experience all Honda e:HEV hybrid models at upcoming GenH Event roadshows - Starts 3-June 2023